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The police say that the 15-time champion had passed a work truck pulling a trailer at high speed and hit it, causing his car to roll on the driver’s side.
Former world number 1 Tiger Woods was arrested on a charge of driving while intoxicated after his Land Rover rolled over on a two-lane road near his Jupiter Island, Florida home on Friday afternoon, March 27, the Martin County Sheriff’s Office said.
The 15-time champion had passed a work truck pulling a trailer at high speed when it rear-ended him, causing his car to roll onto its driver’s side, Sheriff John Budensiek told a news conference.
Woods, 50, got out of the passenger door before law enforcement officers arrived. A breath test at the Martin County Jail showed no signs of alcohol, with investigators believing his impairment was related to drugs or medication.
Woods refused to submit to a urine test, a misdemeanor that carries separate charges under Florida law. No injuries were reported to Woods or the driver of the other vehicle.
Woods was charged with DUI, damage to property, and refusing to submit to a valid test, all misdemeanor charges. Under Florida law, he must remain in jail for at least eight hours before being released on bond.
US President Donald Trump said he had heard about the incident.
“I feel terrible. There was an accident. He’s in trouble. There was an accident, and that’s all I know. My best friend. He’s a wonderful man, a wonderful man,” Trump said.
It was Woods’ second time facing DUI charges, after he was arrested in 2017 in Jupiter, Florida, later pleading guilty to reckless driving.
Woods was also involved in a fatal car accident in February 2021, sustaining serious leg injuries.
His injury history spans more than two decades and includes multiple back surgeries, ACL reconstructions, torn Achilles tendons, and chronic knee issues, all of which have significantly limited his competitive schedule in recent years.
Woods had just returned to competitive action, representing his Jupiter Links Golf Club in the TGL Finals on Tuesday, March 24, his first appearance since missing out on the 2024 British Open.
He had not confirmed whether he planned to participate in this year’s Masters, which starts on April 9 in Augusta.
Work and success
Woods is considered one of the best golfers of all time. He has won 15 majors, second only to Jack Nicklaus with 18, and 82 PGA Tour events, a record he shares with Sam Snead.
His major titles include five Masters, three US Opens, three British Opens, and four PGA Championships.
Woods spent a record 683 weeks as world number one and is the only player to hold all four major titles at the same time, a feat achieved in the 2000-2001 seasons and known as the “Tiger Slam.”
He won the 2000 US Open by 15 strokes, the largest margin of victory in major championship history.
Woods’ victory at the 2019 Masters, his last major title, is considered one of the greatest sporting achievements after years of back injuries and personal problems threatened to end his career. – Rappler.com
